Diethyldithiocarbamate inhibits iNOS expression in human lens epithelial cells stimulated by IFN-gamma and LPS

Discovery of novel Bis-amide analogue ST12 for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of novel bis-amide small molecule anti-inflammatory agents, among them, compound ST12 showed most potent anti-inflammatory activity. ST12 effectively inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) (inhibition rate of 52.67 ± 0.03 % at 10 μM) and downregulated the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, mechanism studies suggest that compound ST12 exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, ST12 effectively ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in vivo. Taken together, ST12 is worthy of further investigation as a small molecule anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Oxidative stress, lens gap junctions, and cataracts

The eye lens is constantly subjected to oxidative stress from radiation and other sources. The lens has several mechanisms to protect its components from oxidative stress and to maintain its redox state, including enzymatic pathways and high concentrations of ascorbate and reduced glutathione. With aging, accumulation of oxidized lens components and decreased efficiency of repair mechanisms can contribute to the development of lens opacities or cataracts. Maintenance of transparency and homeostasis of the avascular lens depend on an extensive network of gap junctions. Communication through gap junction channels allows intercellular passage of molecules (up to 1 kDa) including antioxidants. Lens gap junctions and their constituent proteins, connexins (Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50), are also subject to the effects of oxidative stress. These observations suggest that oxidative stress-induced damage to connexins (and consequent altered intercellular communication) may contribute to cataract formation.